Think of a Cost-Effective ERP end-user training method Before Cutting off the Training Budget

What would be the first thing to get axed in the cost cutting initiatives of an ERP project? In most cases, it would be the training program. This might possibly be one of the major causes for the failure of the ERP system implementation. So before cutting off your training budget, you might like to think of a few cost-effective ERP end-user training methods. Wondering what they are? For cost-effective and quick end-user training, some of these training methods can be employed.

Online Software Training Simulations

Simulations are step-by-step demonstrations of using a software and they also allow learners to try using the system in a risk-free, virtual environment. They can be developed using various rapid authoring tools such as Adobe Captivate, Articulate Storyline, Camtasia, etc.

Developing software training simulations using these rapid authoring tools is cost-effective as they simplify the simulation development process and provide great quality output with less efforts and time.Also, once developed, can be delivered multiple times until there is any update. So it eliminates the expense of conducting repeated training sessions, travel, and lodging as the training happens online, at the learners’ convenient time and place.

Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)

Virtual Instructor-Led Training or VILT is a training method in a virtual environment, i.e., when the trainer and trainee, both are in different locations. Such a training environment is usually designed to mimic the traditional instructor-led training experience. You can conduct these training sessions using various online meeting applications such as WebEx and GoToMeeting which are usually paid applications. In case you have a low training budget and the training material is not so confidential, you can opt for Skype or Google Hangouts which are free.

Apart from this, this method is cost-effective because expenses such as travel and lodging are eliminated. As training material in such a learning environment are usually delivered via hands-on interactivities using digital media, the hardcopy cost of these training materials is further eliminated. Also, while traditional instructor-led training limits the number of trainees, virtual instructor-led training eliminates such limitations.

Self-directed E-learning

Self-directed e-learning programs are no longer developed using high level coding, wonderful designing skills and complex animation tools. The advent of rapid authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline has made e-learning development so easy that you do not need great coding or animation skills. These tools provide built-in animations, interactivities, presentation templates, quizzes and much more useful stuff.

To make it simpler, you can design the training material in a PowerPoint, import it to Articulate Storyline, and publish it to HTML5 output for mobile compatibility. Developing self-directed e-learning programs using Articulate Storyline has become cost-effective as it simplifies the e-learning development process and gives you interactive and engaging output.

Social Learning Network

A social learning network is a form of online collaborative learning where learners post queries and these queries are answered either by experts or by those who have the knowledge about it. This is very similar to the question-and-answer website Quora or the interactive user forums on Massive Open Online Course(MOOCS). The only difference is that the social learning network for ERP training is built in the Learning Management System, instead of the world wide web.

In case you do not have an in-house Learning Management System, you can opt for an open source Learning Management System such as MOODLE which fulfills these requirements. Creating such a platform for training not only facilitates collaborative learning, but is also very cost-effective as it is a one-time investment. It also eliminates travel, lodging, training material, and repeated training expenses.

All these training methods are developed once and delivered online multiple times, until there is a need to update. This common characteristic of the above mentioned training methods makes them cost-effective.When so many cost-effective training methods are available, why compromise on training and brood over the consequences?

About CommLab India

CommLab India addresses the learning and development needs of major organizations through its custom and rapid e-learning solutions, translations and mobile learning services. Since 2000, we have been offering technology-enabled solutions to accelerate workforce performance.

Our interactive online courses employ the best training strategies such as microlearning, game-based learning, and videos and are developed using the latest authoring tools. Read More